Individual acupuncture treatment plans are developed by observing and assessing patterns of imbalance. People of all ages benefit from acupuncture for a variety of conditions and concerns:

Chronic Illness

Fatigue

Pain

Addiction

Fertility

Emotional challenges

Stress

PMS and menopause

Chronic pain

Cancer Support

Teenage and youth challenges

Life transitions

How does Five Element Acupuncture work?

Five Element Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality addressing the balance of body-mind-spirit through use of needles in selected points on the body. This practice, both a science and an art, enhances health and promotes the capacity of a person to heal naturally.

It is equally appropriate for relieving physical symptoms as it is those that relate to the mind and spirit such as depression, anxiety and other chronic conditions, serious illness and the symptoms caused by the stresses of daily life. When working with a person, Jennifer listens and observes in order to assess the pattern of imbalance and to create an individualized treatment plan.

Some background on Acupuncture

Symptoms get our attention. From pain and limitations in movement, to diseases that affect bodily functions, to emotional symptoms and jd at desk, acupuncture 650low energy, these are all manifestations of something out of balance. The principles of Chinese medicine are simple and elegant and based on natural laws that were observed in nature and then within the human being. My primary teacher of acupuncture for over 24 years was Dr. J.R. Worsley who brought the practice of Five Element Acupuncture to England in the 1940’s.

There are a number of schools or traditions of acupuncture. They all draw on a body of knowledge but differ in emphasis in certain ways and on how the healing work is administered. In addition to my years with Dr. Worsley, I have studied other methods that are helpful. The NADA protocol or auricular acupuncture is one such method that I have integrated into my practice in individual sessions as well as with groups. (for more information about these groups see pivotpointprojects.com)

Dr. Worsley demonstrated his gift for listening to what the patient was really saying. Each person has a complex set of symptoms, and it is both an art and a science to elicit from the person what those are. We seek to relieve symptoms but always from the perspective that by bringing the person into balance, as a gardener might, we more effectively address the underlying cause of the illness.

This one-on-one aspect of acupuncture treatment provides a unique and much needed avenue to healing in our modern times. I am grateful to be grounded in this approach that assesses a person through depth of understanding and the application of treatments based on that insight.

For more than ten years, Jennifer Downs acupuncture has helped me manage periodic fevers. Prior to being treated by Jennifer, I was needing increased medical interventions to manage the symptoms and when I missed a treatment, the symptoms returned. Now I come regularly and have been free of symptoms for a few years.

— Brian O.

Jennifer Downs RN, Licensed Acupuncturist, Since 1980

Jennifer Downs worked as a RN when she began Acupuncture studies, ultimately earning three degrees in Acupuncture from the College of Traditional Acupuncture in Leamington Spa, U.K. under the direction of J.R.Worsley. With over 34 years of experience in the practice in acupuncture, Jennifer brings an appreciation for people with all manner symptoms and concerns. She is well respected in the community and has a background rich in educational and service pursuits.

I love doing this work. I appreciate the chance to spend time with each person, hearing everything relevant to their health of body, mind, and spirit and developing a plan of treatment. People are endlessly fascinating as they manifest illness and symptoms in a variety of ways. Five element acupuncture is both an art and a science, and is based on what was called in Ancient China, the Law of the Five Elements. I also use the five needle ear acupuncture protocol (NADA) both in my work with individuals and in groups.

I am grateful for the symptoms that brought me to acupuncture for treatment in the ‘70‘s. The experience set me on a path that became my life’s work. For several years I taught acupuncture at TAI Sophia in Columbia, Maryland and at The Five Element Academy in Florida. I also gave presentations at Medical and Nursing Schools. When my daughter arrived after I had been in practice for a number of years, I bowed out of the teaching of acupuncture and focused more on her nearby school community where I collaborated on educational programs and events for children and adults. The love of hosting events and gatherings eventually led me to found Pivot Point Projects, which combines the healing of Acupuncture with an educational setting influenced by Waldorf Education and Siddha Yoga Meditation.

I am grateful to have the freedom to keep up my private practice in my Mount Washington office as well as host ‘wisdom groups’ that include the five needle ear acupuncture protocol. This complements the work I do with Pivot Point Projects. Please visit both websites for more information.

Jennifer is available to speak about acupuncture to various audiences from physicians and nurses to students of all ages. She also enjoys working with groups, and founded a program called Pivot Point Projects especially designed to empower people to access their own wisdom and explore the mystery of life’s gifts and challenges.

In 2007 Jennifer collaborated with a group of Acupuncturists to offer a weekly free clinic to Veterans and Active Military using the universally appropriate ear acupuncture protocol for reduction of stress and to calm the nervous system. This versatile protocol is often used in other group settings as well.

In late 2017, I began treatments with Jennifer Downs for a fractured hip that would eventually need to be surgically replaced. Unfortunately, the doctor who I chose was booked for two months, which meant that I needed to manage the pain until surgery. What got me through those two months (and post-surgery) was the proactive and insightful practice of Jennifer Downs. Her acupuncture training and skills are informed by her earlier experience as a nurse. The relief from the treatments lessened the pain, which resulted in using many fewer pain killers. After six weeks after surgery, I am walking with confidence with minimal pain and discomfort.